James is pretty much solely responsible for unleashing Nick Saban on the football world. Saban played for James at Kent State, and as the story goes, had no intention of going into coaching. He was planning on going back to his hometown in West Virginia to sell cars.

But he was looking for something to do while waiting for his wife (who is a year younger) to graduate, and James offered him a GA job.

"The Dawgfather" will remain a revered figure among Husky followers forever. Wouldn't be surprised if they named the stadium after him.

Bud Withers of the Seattle Times will go on at length on the subject, but it's hard to believe Washington reeled of four -- four! -- bad hires in succession after James resigned. Jim Lambright, Rick Neuheisel, Keith Gilbertson and Ty Willingham collectively sent the program back so far, it's not a surprise Sarkisian is still aiming for his breakthrough season.

I don't think Lambo was a bad hire. Considering the sanctions James left him with, he did a more than decent job and left Slick Rick with a Rose Bowl team. Neiheisel did win a Rose Bowl.

Hedges screwed the program when she forced Neiheisel out, even though there had been some slippage late in his regime. Gilbertson, a stopgap hire, was a major, major mistake as was Willingham, who was a real tight-ass and a horrible fit for the PNW. Jury is still out on Sark. They are getting better but with some of the guys on his staff it's just a matter of time before the NCAA comes sniffing around.